The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has appointed Mark Colson, head of the Alabama Trucking Association, as its next president and chief executive officer. He is scheduled to assume the position on December 1, following the unexpected departure of his predecessor, Chris Spear, in late August.
Colson has led the Alabama Trucking Association as president and CEO since 2019, according to an announcement from the national organization. Before taking on that role, he held positions at several business organizations in Alabama, including the Business Council of Alabama.
His appointment brings an experienced figure within the ATA network to the leadership of the national trucking association. Colson has participated in several of the organization’s activities, serving on its Strategic Priorities Committee and the Truck PAC Board of Directors.
He also sits on the Advisory Committee of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the ATA’s research arm, which focuses on issues affecting the transportation industry.
Colson’s involvement extends to the leadership network of state trucking associations. His peers elected him vice chairman of the Trucking Association Executives Council, a position reflecting his engagement with the wider association community.
His appointment marks the selection of the 10th president and CEO in the ATA’s history. Founded in 1933, the organization represents the trucking industry’s interests at the national level.
Colson graduated from Huntingdon College and subsequently earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Troy University.
The leadership transition follows Spear’s departure in August, which prompted the association to seek a new executive to guide its activities and priorities.
The appointment is effective December 1. The announcement remains part of a developing story as further details may emerge.
